Balotelli's revival continues as Nice heads to Europa League's business end

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VALERY HACHE / AFP / Getty

Mario Balotelli converted twice from close range and substitute Adrien Tameze added a consolation goal late in Thursday's 3-1 win over Zulte Waregem to ensure Nice's place in the Europa League's last 32.

The enigmatic Italian has now reached the 10-goal mark in each of the past two seasons with Nice.

Drawing and then scoring an early penalty, Balotelli added to his tally with a simple tap-in from yards out. Brian Hamalainen's fantastic free-kick made things interesting toward the end of the second half, but Tameze put Zulte away for good minutes from time.

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